Handheld walkie talkies

seems like the walkie talkies these days are pretty good, and they are a lot easier than a cb radio and are mobile, so I'm thinking of picking up a pair for camping/4x4ing does anyone have any suggestions? I'm not sure what to look for, the motorola ones also say 2-way radio, will they be compatible with the 2 way radios people have in their trucks?
Thanks

 

motorolas are great units!

 

any one in particular? there are some pretty cheap ones at walmart, are they gona be cheap in quality too?

 

I'd say anything Motorola will be good to go weither its cheap in price or not.

 

This might be overkill and too expensive for what you want or need, but thought I'd mention it.

We have two Puxing radios that we use for airsoft.
http://www.pxdz.com/english/index.asp

My husband has a PX888
http://www.pxdz.com/english/showpro.asp?id=2362

Mine is the cheaper variety but similar to his. I couldn't find the model # on the unit itself. These things are HAM radio capable. Programmable. I don't know much about 'em myself.

 

The radios you are discussing are FRS or GMRS radios. They have their own frequencies and are not compatible with CB radios. The GMRS channels on the radios require an FCC license (which costs $85) to be used t, FRS doesn't require a license (go figure that they would build a radio that has frequencies that do and don't require licenses in the same unit). They work okay between vehicles, but have a very limited range due to the short antennas and the metal of the car. Handheld CBs are really limited when used car-to-car without an external antenna. Several of us who off-road in groups carry both radios. CB in the trucks to communicate while driving, and GMRS/FRS radios to communicate when we are out of them. Several others may recommend HAM radios. Those are expensive.

 

Ham radios are not that expensive, but require a license. The license test is easy and there are several options from handhelds to mobiles. They generally put out 5w in handhelds and 50w mobiles, but the ranges are significantly better especially when you can hit a repeater. Modified ham radios can communicate with FRS radios, though this is technically illegal. FRS radios have some strict limits as far as power and type of antenna they can have.

 

wow this thread got way technical real quick!
I was thinking it was gonna be about those little 40-60 dollar walkie talkies!

 

I absolutely love my FT-60R... In most all cases you need a HAM license and IMO is very easy to get and far more valuable than CBs - ESPECIALLY in emergency situations. Plus it is nice to have a 20 mile range instead of a coulple of mile range.

I would encorage anyone that off roads to get a license and use one of the best tools available!

 

If you mod. a Ham radio in any way other than for MARS you are right It is illegal. Up to a $10,000.00 fine and jail time. Hams police their Bands unlike the other YoYo's Besides the license you have to learn how to be polite and now swear on your radio. I also have an FT60 as well as 3 moble rigs and A all mode all band base rig.It is not in most cases that you need a license it is that you need a license or Hams like myself will turn your ASS in.

 

Yeah you YOYO's!

He's right, people should never use a HAM radio and they should never get a license.

MARS/MURS bans/bands - it's all the same.

Leave them to the socially inept.

 

I have a couple Motorola 15 milers and they work fantastic...

 

I won't post what radios I have... will make people think ham radios are expensive..

 

We use MIDLAND radios when we go hunting, sometimes we will be 3 miles away and they sound like if you were 100 ft away. pretty nice radios.

 

The FRS bands are in the UHF range and much better for local communications than CB which is in HF on 11meters.

 

this is all

 

You can get a HAM setup for $200 (not a ht) but still - they are great to have. Much more useful than a AAA card in snow and deep mud when life or limb is at stake. I can not promote the idea enough - all of you to get your license and learn the rules of the road with HAM radio use. The world would be a better place!

 

what about something simple like this just for camping and ATV'ing?
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MR35...3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1278709801&sr=8-3

 

you can get a FT-250R 2m HT for $120.

or a FT-1900R 2m 50W mobile for $140.

These are the cheapest for new radios. with the mobile you will need an antenna as well.

I have a Icom IC-2820 with D-star Module and a yaesu FT-1900R in my truck, I have a Icom IC-80AD HT, a Yaesu FT-50R HT, and an old Alinco DJ-160.

I also have a home built D-star repeater.